The Fair Swim Center is a public facility, built for the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods. The $4.2 million dollar project, which was completed in June 2003, features three outdoor pools, a maintenance & equipment building, and the main building, which houses administrative offices, meeting areas and food services, along with restroom, locker and shower facilities.

The design features a spine wall element, effectively dividing the building into public and administrative areas. A butterfly roof form with exposed glu-lam beams intersects the spine wall and ties together the exterior finish elements of concrete block, plaster and wood siding. Steel sunshades with cable supports, stainless steel trellises, silver anodized window frames, and horizontal glass banding complete the client’s goal for a contemporary, civic aesthetic.

The interior design incorporates all of the exterior materials into a cohesive, architectural statement. The orientation of the building on the site, daylighting, and natural ventilation help conserve energy by using large areas of opposing operable glass. An open lobby and waiting area with high ceilings, presents a framed view of the pool deck and the foothills beyond. The project was successfully completed on budget, under an extremely aggressive schedule.

Photos: John Sutton Photography